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Southampton
based Subgiant have been around for a few years, working in a loosely
defined cross-over genre, mixing samples and decks with live guitars
and bass. It can be a dangerous area, because fans of dance and
trance don't usually mix with those who prefer guitar bands. Subgiant
reckon the crowd goes wild, so what's going on?
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| Subgiant
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Well,
they're good, that's what. The production on the CD is faultless
and if the same sound is delivered live then the crowd jolly well
should go wild. Ambient dub with sub-bass to test your speakers,
driven by breakbeats and catchy melodies.
The
analogue synths are very filtered, and the combination of
crazy drums, warm strings, bleeps and dings would have been at home
at the all night unofficial acid-house parties of pre dance tent
Glastonbury. It must, surely, be programmed - but there's a feeling
of improvisation. It's as if members of 808 State, the KLF and The
Orb have somehow got together for a jamming session.
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| Subgiant
live |
There
is a new-age overtone, with lots of warm string pads and animal-like
sounds. Some of the tracks, with the breakbeats removed, could be
played in those shops which sell crystals and joss-sticks.
There's also a fairly constant layer of reggae.
Subgiant could probably add a bit of Country and Western if they
wanted to - and they'd still be able to make it work.
If Arnie
ever gets bored of politics and decides to make Terminator 4, he need
look no further than Twig Technology for the soundtrack. Meanwhile,
if the sun's rising on your local hippy festival and you find yourself
queuing for a nut brownie in the wise-old-vegan's cafe, don't be surprised
if you hear Olly and co on the stereo, or see them live on the stage.
What do you think of Subgiant? Give them your star rating!
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Glastonbury
2004: If the Tadpole Stage in Glastonbury's green fields
had rafters, Subgiant would have shaken them during their Saturday
night performance. As it's in a tent, they couldn't, but that
didn't stop them from pounding out a brilliant performance.
The Tadpole is usually a relaxed place, full of people drinking
tea and listening to acoustic guitars. Subgiant cranked up the
volume, but held on to the laid-back atmosphere. The 'vibe'
was perfect, and nobody wanted it to end - except the stage
organisers who wouldn't allow a second encore.
The mix was good, the breakbeats were infectious and Dan's scratching
was superb.
What Subgiant did on the Tadpole Stage could have been uprooted
and taken to the Glade, the Other Stage or even the Pyramid.
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| Simon
Marks, BBC Southampton |
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